SMU’s Boopie Miller Dominates No. 12 UNC in ACC Opener

UPDATE: In a stunning display of talent, the SMU Mustangs defeated the No. 12 North Carolina Tar Heels 97-83 in their Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opener on October 14, 2023. Point guard Boopie Miller led the charge with an impressive 27 points on 10-of-13 shooting and matched his career high with 12 assists.

This victory marks a significant milestone for SMU, as it is their first win over a ranked opponent in coach Andy Enfield‘s two seasons. The Mustangs had not beaten a ranked team since taking down No. 6 Houston nearly four years ago.

Miller’s performance was nothing short of electric. Despite early foul trouble, he orchestrated the game with precision, ensuring his teammates were in the right positions to score. “They were just able to get anything they wanted to offensively,” said North Carolina coach Hubert Davis. “Boopie was in control of the ball.”

Fellow guard B.J. Edwards contributed significantly, adding 15 points and six assists. The Mustangs shot an impressive 60% overall and 52% from beyond the arc, hitting 14 of 27 three-pointers.

After a tightly contested first half, which saw the game tied at 47-all, forward Corey Washington propelled the Mustangs with nine of their first 11 points after halftime. His two crucial three-pointers early in the second half gave SMU a lead they would not relinquish.

Miller, who transferred from Wake Forest and missed several games last season due to a foot injury, expressed his determination to make an impact this season. “Every game is circled,” he stated. “I feel like I let my team down last year.”

The Mustangs demonstrated resilience and teamwork, overcoming a strong challenge from the Tar Heels. Enfield praised Miller’s performance, calling it one of the best he has witnessed. “To not only score that many points but also have 12 assists on this stage is remarkable.”

As SMU celebrates this monumental win, they look ahead to continue building momentum in ACC play. Fans are eager to see if the Mustangs can sustain this level of performance as they strive for success in their upcoming games.

This victory not only boosts the Mustangs’ confidence but also sets the tone for an exciting season ahead. Stay tuned for more updates as SMU aims to make waves in the ACC.